Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Reclaiming Payment for Completed Projects
The Supreme Court allows payment for completed government projects even without a written contract, applying quantum meruit to prevent unjust enrichment.
Corporate Ratification: When a Corporation Becomes Bound by Unauthorized Acts
A corporation's repeated payments can ratify an officer's unauthorized acts, binding the company to obligations it never expressly approved.
Just Compensation Under CARP: Fair Market Value and Timely Payment Rules
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies how to compute just compensation for agrarian reform lands, including the correct time of taking and interest on delayed payment.
Limits of Mandamus: DepEd Not Compelled to Collect Loan Payments for Private Lenders
Supreme Court rules DepEd cannot be compelled by mandamus to collect and remit teacher loan payments for private lenders.
Minimum Wage Law Exemption: Employers Must Apply and Prove Payment
Employers cannot claim minimum wage exemption without applying to the Regional Board; payrolls must be original to prove payment.
Graft Conviction Upheld for DENR Official Demanding Payment for Free Patent Applications
Supreme Court affirms Sandiganbayan conviction of DENR official under Section 3(c) of RA 3019 for demanding money to process free patent applications.
Demanding Money for Expedited Permits Is a Violation of Anti-Graft Laws
The Supreme Court affirms that a DENR official demanding payment for processing free patent applications violates Section 3(c) of RA 3019.
Valid Dation in Payment: When a Debtor's Creditor Still Has Authority to Settle
Supreme Court explains when a dation in payment is valid even if the creditor assigned its receivables to another party.
Quantum Meruit Claims Against the Government: Payment for Services Without a Written Contract
The Supreme Court clarifies when contractors can recover payment from the government on quantum meruit even without a written contract.
Quantum Meruit and Government Contracts: Fair Compensation for Completed Projects
When can a contractor recover payment from the government without a written contract? The Supreme Court explains quantum meruit.
Contractor's Solidary Liability and Full Payment Defense in Subcontracting Agreements
When can a contractor be held liable for a subcontractor's unpaid debts? The Supreme Court explains solidary liability and the full payment defense.
Sheriff Dismissed for Accepting Unofficial Payments From Litigants
Supreme Court dismisses sheriff for receiving P100,000 in direct payments from litigants, ruling such conduct constitutes serious dishonesty.
Piece-Rate Workers Are Regular Employees Entitled to Security of Tenure
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that piece-rate payment does not negate regular employment, and abandonment requires proof of intent.
When a Car Purchase Goes Wrong: Establishing Liability in Sales Transactions
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on when a person who receives payment and issues a receipt in a car sale can be held liable as a seller.
Procedural Lapses in Filing Fees Do Not Erase Civil Liability in Swindling Cases
Supreme Court clarifies that underpayment of docket fees based on clerk assessment does not bar recovery of damages in estafa cases.
Eminent Domain Prompt Payment Mandate FOR Government Infrastructure Projects
Supreme Court clarifies RA 8974's 100% zonal value prompt payment rule applies to inverse condemnation cases for government projects.
Lawyer Suspended for Neglecting Client's Ejectment Case Despite Full Payment of Fees
Supreme Court suspends lawyer for six months for failing to file an ejectment case after accepting full payment, despite client's forgiveness and settlement.
Immutability of Judgments in Foreclosure Interest Calculations and Redemption Rights
Supreme Court clarifies that final judgments on foreclosure interest cannot be modified, and redemption rights lapse without payment.
Irrevocability in Tax Overpayments: Refund vs Carry-Over Options Explained
Understand the Supreme Court's ruling on when a tax overpayment option becomes irrevocable, and what it means for corporate taxpayers in the Philippines.
Breach of Contract and Estafa: Developer Liability for Unfulfilled Property Sale
When a developer fails to deliver titles after full payment, both civil and criminal remedies may apply. The Supreme Court clarifies when estafa and P.D. 957 violations arise.
Expiration vs Non-Payment: Demand Letter Requirements in Unlawful Detainer Cases
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a demand letter is required before filing an unlawful detainer case, distinguishing lease expiration from non-payment.
When Court Employees Overstep: The Caoili Case on Judicial Misconduct
A clerk of court dismissed for grave misconduct after leaking an unsigned order, procuring lawyers, and receiving monthly payments from a litigant.
Mutual Contract Termination Does Not Waive Payment Claims in Construction Disputes
Supreme Court ruling on DPWH v. CMC/Monark Joint Venture clarifies that mutual termination of a construction contract does not extinguish valid payment claims.
Mutual Termination of a Construction Contract Does Not Erase Unpaid Obligations
A Supreme Court ruling clarifies that mutually terminating a government construction contract does not waive the contractor's right to collect payment for work already completed.